Red Kites

[tamborine]

2 red kites waddling around my field. Why are they on the ground?

Grass is short as horses continually feed on it.

[choux]

Probably after earthworms.

[Zacs-Master]

Maybe there’s no wind. Try again tomorrow.

[tamborine]

hmmm, its the only field with livestock, would the droppings feed the kites?

[tamborine]

As its a pair, where would they nest? The only large tree is an old oak

[choux]

I would have thought that unlikely, tam. As the grass is so short I would think it easier for them to search for earthworms. Most of their food is taken in the form of carion or small creatures.

[Khandro]

Choux is correct, they would prefer to eat their normal fare, but if hungry are not averse to eating earth worms.

[choux]

https://www.redkites.net/section72403_17698.html

THE NEST. The nest is built high up in a tree usually on the edge of woodland, which enables a smooth flightpath into the nest for the large winged parents. A large number of nests are built in beech trees in the Chilterns. The nest consists of twigs and a neat 'bowl' usually lined with sheep wool or other material. Kites are known to 'decorate' their nests with items such as lottery tickets, teddy bears, plastic bags, gloves, etc.

When I had a rook's nest removed from low down in my chimney last year the sweep said he regularly found yorkshire puddings in their nests and once even a car number plate!

[tamborine]

dogs leave lots of toys around. Am surprised the dogs didnt frighten the kites off; all usual wildlife & chickens were still, quiet & hidden.

[ladybirder]

Yes, definitely searching for worms in the absence of carrion.

[tamborine]

there are regular hay bales in field, hard bucket nuts & constant water trough.

Any ideas how to photgraph them. I dont have long lenses etc. Theyre beautiful but too near Heathrow (8miles) & flight paths.

[ladybirder]

Tambo just keep your camera on you and wait for the appropriate time is my advice. They are curious and I had one follow me just above my head, a few feet above. Its head was down and it was definitely watching me. And once at Harwood House on the outskirts Leeds, as I parked my car, one rose up in front of me from behind a wall. Jumped out of my skin. It was massive, just massive with wings outstretched as it rose into the sky. Magnificent. I wish I had been carrying a camera on both of those occasions.

[Chipchopper]

It's my guess that they're finding grubs etc that are under and among the horse dung.

[TonyV]

Tambourine you can buy fairly cheap digital camera with zoom lens

[TonyV]

^^^^
Here's one of many

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-SLR-Camera-2-4-Inch-TFT-LCD-Screen-1080P-16X-Zoom-Anti-shake/173677995636?epid=3027094394&hash=item287003e674:g:TJcAAOSwDEBcCOUr

[paddywak]

Tambo,it's one of the secret facts of life,no matter how often you carry your camera around with you, the first time you leave it behind the perfect shot presents it'self.

[tamborine]

there were 4 here today, one perched on plum tree while others circled.

Ive ordered a tele lense for iphone - fingers crossed.

[douglas9401]

https://www.scottishsistersphotography.com/red-kite-1?fbclid=IwAR3zhReMbn3K0MuBSm-zJoEi3vMO5AWppn7wnhgWxixc_EEyQg9UyE7elpg

[woofgang]

tambo have you got a link to the tele lens gizmo please?

[TonyV]

Maybe they have had early chicks due to the strange weather we have experienced this winter and are teaching them some field craft?

[tamborine]

Search ebay @ £3.59 Optical telescop camera lense fits any smart phone.